The Nordic environmental ministers have agreed to place more focus on tackling plastic and microplastics in the oceans.
The agreement means the Nordic nations will form a united front on the issue at the upcoming UN climate summit UNEA-2, which is due to be held in Nairobi, Kenya from May 23-27.
“Plastic in the oceans is a massive global problem bereft of simple solutions that requires international co-operation,” said the Danish environmental and food minister, Esben Lunde Larsen.
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Pressure on EU
The aim of the Nordic front is to also work towards a strong European position regarding the issue, and to this end the nations will compose a letter to the EU Commission to underline the importance of the plastic dilemma.
The EU is currently working on a financial package regarding the issue, and the Nordic nations contend it is essential for the package to include solutions that aim to solve the plastic problem.
“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be acting ourselves,” said Larsen. “In Denmark, we are working actively with solutions, such as supporting attempts to cleanse wastewater of micro plastics.”
